Nyumba Kumi exhibition by artist Kevo Stero of Maasai Mbili Art Studio opens on Thursday 18th September 2014 at the Kuona Trust gallery.
The artworks on show are a collaboration between Kevo and several artists that he works closely with at the Maasai Mbili (M2) space in Kibera.
Opening: Thursday 18th September from 6 pm
Exhibition Dates: 18th–29th September, 9 am – 5 pm Daily
Venue: Kuona Trust, Likoni Lane off Denis Pritt Road, Hurlingham
Exhibition Concept
The ‘Nyumba Kumi’ project is an initiative by the Kenyan government to improve security in the face of increasing insecurity in the country. Under ‘Nyumba Kumi’, landlords are required to establish estate associations to register themselves as well as their tenants. It calls for the vetting of tenants by ensuring an accurate record of what they do for a living so as to establish that they are not criminals or linked to terrorist activities. Providing this information is not an option but an obligation. In the face of rising global terrorism the government deems that effective collaboration between residents and security personnel is the most effective tool in the prevention of attacks as well as building cases against terror suspects. It sites other countries such as neighbouring Tanzania where this exercise has worked.
The artist explores this initiative from the perspective of the slum dwellers of Kibera. As a resident of Kibera, Kevin has conducted widespread research in the area to gather the thoughts and reactions to the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ exercise. Some of the questions he chose to interrogate include- Does the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ apply in Kibera? How is it implemented there? What is the impact if any on the residents? What is the impact on you? Is it bound to succeed or fail?
His intention is to provoke the audience to think deeper into their own perception of the project and its impact. He provides insights into a community that few people really understand. This community also dwells in the cosmopolitan city, Nairobi, which the government so desperately wants to protect. However, the residents of Kibera were probably not a priority in the list for consideration when this initiative was developed.
This exhibition challenges the passive nature of society when faced with various socio-economic and political challenges. Kevin hopes to trigger a more proactive approach to the analysis of situations and deeper thought into the solutions provided for the challenges by the leadership/government of the day.
The curator will be renowned artist Mbuthia Maina.
